High-pile carpet is coming back. But it needs the best vacuum for high-pile carpet to clean it properly. Are you considering putting high-pile carpet in your home? If so, then you need to continue reading this article. In it we will discuss everything you need to know about ultra-plush carpet. We will also examine how to choose a lightweight vacuum for high-pile carpet. Finally, we will give you the top five products to choose from in this category.
Need to find a great vacuum cleaner for thick pile carpet? Then keep reading. This article has all of the answers you seek.
What is plus pile carpet?
We should begin the article with a quick discussion of high-pile carpet. Before you choose a vacuum for plush carpet, you need to know all about this type of carpeting.
High-pile carpet is a term that applies to carpets with long fibers. The fibers are the part of the carpet that you step on. They are attached to the backing material. Fibers can be made of a number of different materials. These include wool, synthetic materials, and even feathers or something else.
Pile measures the length of the carpet fiber. Keep this handy chart in mind when thinking about the pile of a carpet.
Low pile=1/4-inch or less
Medium pile=1/4-1/2-inch
High pile=1/2-3/4-inch or more
Do I have thick pile carpet?
Now, you may be wondering if the carpet you currently have in your home is considered thick pile. The chart at the end of the last section will help. In it, the different piles are described in relation to their usual length.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to break out your measuring tape. You totally can. However, if you still have the material from when you purchased the carpet, it should also tell you the pile length.
You should also be able to just look at the carpet to tell its pile length. Low pile carpet typically has tight loops. If you run your hand over it, you will not be able to feel in between the fibers. The medium pile is the most common pile type. You may feel a slight separation between the fibers.
Plus pile carpet will look floppy and have very long fibers. It is the most distinctive looking of all pile types. All you have to do is picture a 1960s shag rug and you know what ultra-plush carpet looks like.
Features to look for in a vacuum for high-pile carpeting
Because of the long carpet fibers, ultra-plush carpet can be hard to vacuum. The fibers easily get stuck in the vacuum’s beater bar. Many vacuums also have too much power. The power can quickly pull out fibers and cause damage.
In order to find the top vacuum for plush carpet, keep reading. The rest of this section will explain the features that should appear in a great vacuum cleaner for thick pile carpet.
Type
As you probably already know, vacuums come in many different types. There are upright, canister, stick, handheld, and robot vacuums to choose from in 2019. Yet, not all vacuum types work well for ultra-plush carpet.
You should not consider a robot vacuum for your high-pile carpet. It will not correctly. These products are better used for hard floors and low to medium pile carpet.
Some products among the other vacuum types can be used on ultra-plush carpet. You can find many upright vacuums for plush carpet. Canister vacuums for high-pile carpet are also quite common.
Lower powered stick and handheld vacuums are less common. But these should not be discounted as they are wonderful lightweight vacuums for high-pile carpet. They may take longer to get the job done, but they will not cause any damage.
Size and weight
The size and weight of your vacuum for plush carpet are greatly determined by its type. Upright and canister vacuums are the largest and heaviest of the bunch. Then come the lighter stick and handheld vacuums.
The size and weight of the vacuum cleaner for thick pile carpet is determined by a couple of factors. First, you need to consider the size of your home and the high-pile carpet you need to vacuum. Second, you need to know what types of flooring and other surfaces you will be vacuuming.
Let’s quickly address each of these two factors. For the first factor, you need will typically need a larger vacuum in a big home. Large vacuums for pet hair and thick carpet have big dirt collection bins. This means that you can vacuum longer without having to empty the bin.
Type of flooring matters because it determines how many features and accessories you need. Do you plan on cleaning a lot of varied surfaces? If so, you probably need a large vacuum. But, a home full of ultra-plush carpet will not need as large a product.
Variable height
Most of the top vacuum cleaners for thick pile carpet will have a variable height feature. This may sound fancy, but it really is not. Variable height just means that you can change the height of the beater bar.
You want variable height on vacuums for plush carpet where the beater bar cannot be turned off. The beater bar is what normally causes a lot of damage to high-pile carpet. So keeping the beater bar away from the higher fiber is essential.
It is common for vacuum cleaners for thick pile carpet to have at least three different height adjustments. You switch between them to vacuum either low pile carpet or hard floors, medium pile carpet, and ultra-plush carpet.
If the vacuum you choose doesn’t have variable height, all is not lost. Just ensure that you can turn off the beater bar. Your high-pile carpet will be fine.
Variable power
Like variable height, variable power is essential for vacuums for plush carpet. Super high powered vacuums are not ideal for high-pile carpet. In fact, they can cause a lot of damage.
You will need higher power on low pile and medium pile carpets, though. The high power allows those carpets to get completely clean. That is why variable power is such a good idea.
The more control you have over the level of power, the healthier your high-pile carpets will stay.
Accessories
We touched on accessories in the size and weigh section above. In this section, we will expand on that topic.
When you purchase a vacuum for plush carpet, you want accessories. The more accessories, the more types of surfaces you can clean. Special accessories or attachments are important for cleaning upholstery, pet messes, plus pile carpet, and more.
To determine the types of accessories you need, you will have to think about what you will be vacuuming. Yes, you’ve already done this activity. Yet, answering that question now saves you a lot of time later.
If you plan on using your vacuum to clean a variety of surfaces, then you probably need extra attachments. Most vacuum cleaners for thick pile carpet comes with a crevice tool and an upholstery tool. There are other products, like Dyson high-pile carpet vacuums, that come with more attachments.
Look for the product that comes with the accessories that fit your cleaning needs. It should also hopefully come with a storage option for all of those accessories.
Corded or Cordless
Should you purchase a corded or cordless vacuum? That debate has been raging in the vacuum industry for years. The answer is really up to you and your needs.
Corded and cordless vacuums come with their own pros and cons. Corded vacuums are great because they allow you constant cleaning power. You will, however, have to find different electrical outlets throughout your home.
On the other hand, cordless vacuums are more convenient. You just pick them up and get to cleaning. But, their batteries will run out of charge. You will not be able to use cordless lightweight vacuums for high-pile carpet to clean a large home.
Price
The final feature we want to mention is the price. Unfortunately, many vacuums for plush carpet are more expensive. This is because they are seen as more of a specialty item. For example, the Soniclean soft carpet vacuum cleaner will set you back quite a bit. Dyson's high-pile carpet vacuums also cost a lot.
If you have a limited budget then you will need to pass on the most expensive products. Thankfully, some brands are now making more affordable products. They will not be in the budget range. But, you will find Shark vacuums for a high-pile carpet for under $200. That is movement in the right direction at least.
Top Five Best Vacuums for High-pile carpet
On The Market 2020
Product | Our Rating | Type | Dirt collection bin size | Accessories | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Editor’s Choice | Upright | Unknown | None | 10.5 lbs. | |
#2 | Canister | 1.2 liters | 2-in-1 Crevice tool and Dusting brush | 8 lbs. | |
#3 | Stick | 0.2 gallon | Combination tool, Crevice tool, Wall dock, and Charger | 5.05 lbs. | |
#4 | Canister | 4.5 liters | Dusting brush, Upholstery tool, and Crevice tool | 20 lbs. | |
#5 | Upright | XL (unspecified size)a | Pet turbo tool, Flexible dusting brush, and Crevice tool | 17.1 lbs. |
Top Five Best Vacuum for Thick pile carpet 2020 Reviews
The Soniclean Soft Carpet Vacuum Cleaner has been specifically designed with high-pile carpets in mind. It is a little bit more expensive. But, you get a lot for your money.
Mohawk and Karastan, carpet brands, partnered with Soniclean to create this product. Therefore, it made specifically for plus pile carpets. You will never have to worry about the Soniclean Soft Carpet Vacuum Cleaner damaging your ultra-plush carpet.
The Soniclean also uses special sonic technology instead of a brushroll. Two hundred sonic vibrations per second are used to loosen dirt and debris. Then the gentle suction of the product removes them. Early adopters will especially love this vacuum for plush carpet.
The Eureka NEN110A Whirlwind Vacuum Cleaner is a canister vacuum for high-pile carpet. It comes with fewer attachments than other products. However, it is a lightweight and easy to use product.
The NEN101A comes with a large, three-liter, dirt collection bin. It does not require bags. The specially designed airflow and power can be controlled on the handle. That feature alone makes the NEN101A a perfect choice for high-pile carpets.
As a final pro, the Eureka NEN110A is a super affordable vacuum. It falls in the under $100 range. Even people on a budget can clean their high-pile carpets now. Try one today and experience the difference the right vacuum makes.
Dyson's high-pile carpet vacuums are top of the line. They, like the Cyclone V10 Motorhead Vacuum Cleaner, cost a lot. However, you do get a lot for your money.
Dyson provides more attachments than any other brand. Even basic models like the V10 Motorhead have a couple of great attachments. And, the wall charger provides a great place to store them.
Miele vacuums for high-pile carpets are great. Unfortunately, they are some of the most expensive products on the market. The Complete C3 Vacuum for Soft Carpet is no different. It costs a lot, but you get a lot.
The Complete C3 is a canister style vacuum. It comes with a five-stage variable height. Even though there is a lot of power to this vacuum it will still not damage your ultra-plush carpet.
The HEPA filter keeps your home clean and allergy-friendly. Also, the canister of the C3 has built-in attachment storage. Losing your accessories will never happen with the Miele C3. For quality and usability choose this Miele vacuum for high-pile carpet.
Hoover is an iconic vacuum cleaner brand for a reason. The Pet Max Complete Vacuum Cleaner UH74110 is great. It is affordable at under $200. It also has a twelve-foot wand. The extra cleaning reach means you don’t have to push the vacuum on your plus pile carpet.
The Hoover UH74110 also comes with a pet tool kit. This is the top vacuum for pet hair and thick carpet on our list. You will especially love the allergenblock technology. It captures 97% of dirt, dust, pollen, and pet hair. Your home and high-pile carpet will remain clean year-round with this product.
Your step-by-step guide to thick carpet cleaning
Cleaning your ultra-plush carpeting correctly is essential for its long-term health. If you are new to high-pile carpet, then you need to follow these steps. We layout a step-by-step guide for you to use. Keep your high-pile carpet clean and looking nice by following these instructions.
- Always vacuum first. Vacuuming first is super important. It removes large debris, hair, and dirt particles. These things could clog your carpet cleaner or rag.
- Use either dish or laundry detergent to clean your carpet. A harsh floor cleaner should not be used.
- Either use a bristle brush or a carpet cleaner. If you choose a carpet cleaner make sure that it can be safely used on a high-pile carpet.
- Once the carpet is completely washed, you need to rinse it with a dry cloth. If you’ve used a carpet cleaning, you can skip this step.
- Carpet racks will help you keep the long fibers from tangling as you consider rinsing out the thick pile carpet.
- Let the ultra-plush carpet dry completely. A hot or humid day may require the use of fans. If you’ve only cleaned a shag rug, then you could also hang it outside to dry.
- Always wait until the ultra-plush carpet is completely dry before you use it again. Walking on a wet carpet will get your feet wet. Plus, it may cause the fibers to tangle. It could even encourage the growth of mold or bacteria.
Additional tips and tricks for plush carpet cleaning
Vacuuming and carpet cleaning are not the only ways to keep your high-pile carpet looking nice. These tips and tricks help you keep your ultra-plush carpet clean all the time.
- Clean your high-pile carpet according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These can vary depending on the material used. Therefore, it is important to consult the carpet manufacturer before any cleaning is completed.
- Clean a spill or mess completely. Ultra-plush carpets are great at embedding dirt and stains. Taking care of a mess immediately saves you from a big problem later.
- If your vacuum is not rated for high-pile carpet, you still have options. You can use the dusting or upholstery attachment instead. These will be smaller than a typical cleaning head. However, they will get the job done without causing damage. When trying a new attachment on your ultra-plush carpet always test it on a small area first.
FAQs:
Still, have questions about high-pile carpets and vacuum cleaners? This FAQ section has the answers.
1.What type of vacuum to purchase?
You are likely wondering how to choose a specific type of vacuum for plush carpet. Upright, canister, stick, and handheld will all work. The type of vacuum you choose will depend on you.
People with large homes and lots of flooring types should stick with the upright or canister vacuum. Canister vacuums are better in larger rooms because of their long hoses. Long hoses keep you from having to pull the vacuum over the plush carpet.
Smaller shag rugs or homes could need a stick or handheld vacuum. These lightweight vacuums for high-pile carpet are perfect for small jobs. You can also use them for spot cleaning.
2. What type of flooring is in your home?
As mentioned a lot already, flooring matters. The types of flooring in your home will determine the product you choose. There are typically two main categories of floors: hard and carpet.
Hard floors include tile, wood, laminate, etc. Carpet, as we’ve already said, can be low, medium, or high pile. Larger homes likely have more flooring types than smaller homes. You may find tile in the bathroom. Laminate may be in the kitchen. Low pile carpet goes great in a mudroom. And high-pile carpet can be found in bedrooms.
Obviously, this is a lot of flooring types. You will need a vacuum that can handle them all. Multiple types of vacuums will work as well. This option just might cost you more money.
Determine the types of flooring you have in your home. Then you will be well on your way towards knowing what vacuum for plush carpet to purchase.
3. Is high-pile carpet the right choice for you?
Thick pile carpet is not the right choice for everyone. You need to be able to handle the cleaning requirements. Plus, it is a bold design choice. You have to make sure it fits with the style of your home. Finally, it can be quite expensive.
These may be okay tradeoffs for you. If you want ultra-plush carpet no matter what, then you know it is the right choice. Just have all of the facts before you buy.
4. What are the top high-pile carpet brands?
There are a lot of great plus pile carpet brands. The two we recommend the most are Shaw and Mohawk. These brands will run a little more expensive. But, they produce the best ultra-plush carpets on the market.
There’s something even better. Mohawk has teamed up with Soniclean to create a specific vacuum for plush carpet. You will notice that a Soniclean soft carpet vacuum cleaner appears on our list above. This product will work with Shaw carpets as well. Mohawk and Shaw want your high-pile carpet to stay looking great. That is why they are our choice for the top ultra-plush carpet brands.
5. Vacuums, high-pile carpet, and allergies/asthma
Many people nowadays have allergies and asthma. For homes with these people, purchasing the right vacuum cleaner for thick pile carpet is even more important. It can be a matter of life or death.
A high-pile carpet holds more dirt and debris. It can also mold easier and house bacteria. This is why it is so important to keep it clean.
In order to keep the air of your home safe, you need a vacuum with a HEPA filter at least. HEPA is a certification that requires a high level of quality. If you see a HEPA filter, you know the vacuum for pet hair and thick carpet is a good product.
Conclusion
Yes, high-pile carpet can be hard to clean. But it doesn’t have to be impossible. Try one of the best vacuums for high-pile carpet mentioned in this article. They will make your life a lot easier.
Keeping your plus pile carpet vacuumed regularly will extend its life. You just need to correct the product. That is why we’ve written this article. Any of the five products mentioned in our reviews will work perfectly for high-pile carpet. Use our buyer’s guide and FAQ section to choose the vacuum that best suits your home and needs.
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